Rovers spring surprise

A SMALL crowd but a lively atmosphere and a scintillating derby to match many that have gone before, provided ample entertainment…

A SMALL crowd but a lively atmosphere and a scintillating derby to match many that have gone before, provided ample entertainment at Tolka Park last night, as Shamrock Rovers gleefully three a spanner in arch rivals Bohemians' UEFA Cup ambitions.

Having fallen behind to an early goal, Bohemians may have thought they had salvaged a point with a 70th minute equaliser, but Rovers stunned their adversaries with two goals in the last two minutes to deservedly win a gripping match.

Bohemians now need to win their last game at UCD on Sunday to be sure of qualifying for their preferred European competition.

Rovers had the perfect start when Bohemians central defender Robbie Best put through his own goal after just two minutes.

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Bohemians equaliser came when Paul Doolin scored with a sidefoot volley at the back post from John Ryan's deep cross. But Stephen Grant headed Rovers back in front from Pat Fenlon's free kick on 88 minutes and Aaron Lynch had their fans in raptures with a diving header for the third from Grant's cross in the final minute.